I like how Tom Brady shredding the Texans defense actually could've meant something given how good Houston started, yet it was at about that time the Texans began to fold. Houston hasn't been able to come close to their form earlier this year, and I wouldn't be surprised if they pulled an Atlanta and got knocked out by Cincy in the first round. Same for Baltimore to some extent, they killed all their momentum losing last week and I could see Indy pulling it off (especially with Flacco being unproven in the playoffs).

I like how Tom Brady shredding the Texans defense actually could've meant something given how good Houston started, yet it was at about that time the Texans began to fold. Houston hasn't been able to come close to their form earlier this year, and I wouldn't be surprised if they pulled an Atlanta and got knocked out by Cincy in the first round. Same for Baltimore to some extent, they killed all their momentum losing last week and I could see Indy pulling it off (especially with Flacco being unproven in the playoffs).

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I honestly think that the Pats knocked the stuffing out of the Texans and really made them doubt themselves and question if they really belonged at the top. Since that crushing defeat they've just not been the same. To be honest, they were on a downward slope before that night but they were still picking up the wins, not so much now.

I can definitely see the Texans crashing out of the playoffs early. They are better than the other 3 teams in the WC round but with the way they are playing they could easily get dropped. The Ravens have overachieved all year and their record really flatters them. I can see them losing too but the Colts will need to overcome a lot of youth and really play consistently well on the day to make it happen.

I honestly think that the Pats knocked the stuffing out of the Texans and really made them doubt themselves and question if they really belonged at the top. Since that crushing defeat they've just not been the same. To be honest, they were on a downward slope before that night but they were still picking up the wins, not so much now.

I can definitely see the Texans crashing out of the playoffs early. They are better than the other 3 teams in the WC round but with the way they are playing they could easily get dropped. The Ravens have overachieved all year and their record really flatters them. I can see them losing too but the Colts will need to overcome a lot of youth and really play consistently well on the day to make it happen.

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Yeah, clearly something happened halfway through the season to cause them to play like they did after that. Tom Brady could've very well been that reality check, the Texans have dropped their share of games but I can't remember the Texans being on the wrong end of any other blowout losses like they were against the Patriots. I'd be very interested to see what would happen if both teams were pitted against each other in the playoffs for a rematch, though you'd certainly have to favor New England going into the game.

I'd say it's the Colts game to lose, but the experience advantage is clearly in the Ravens factor. This will be a good test to see what kind of poise Luck has playing against a Ravens defense with its fair share of playoff experience, and while I don't see the Colts making it past the second round their fans have plenty of reason to be satisfied given the improvement over last season.

I gotta admit, I was bummed to see the Giants miss the playoffs too. I don't like it when a defending Super Bowl champion doesn't make it to the playoffs during the next season, the playoffs end up feeling anticlimactic when that happens.

Well, Dante's not bummed. Now if the Pats make it past one Manning, the other won't be there to stop them again.

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This is the feeling of all Pats fans. The relief of not having our kryptonite there to stop us is huge. It would be so typical if we lost before getting to the Superbowl in the year that Eli isn't there.

Well, Dante's not bummed. Now if the Pats make it past one Manning, the other won't be there to stop them again.

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This is the feeling of all Pats fans. The relief of not having our kryptonite there to stop us is huge. It would be so typical if we lost before getting to the Superbowl in the year that Eli isn't there.

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Might as well get used to the reality of a Pats super bowl run, yet again I don't see them losing in the AFC, unless Peyton pulls a miracle out of his ass (not impossible, but given his post-season history, also not likely). The NFC has several teams that could take the Pats, though.

I'm praying San Fransisco makes it and knocks them off. I don't think I can stand the thought of listening to Packers or Seahawks fans if they make it again, and I KNOW I don't want to see New England win again.

Oh well, not much for me to look forward to this post-season. At least Lovie's finally gone!

I don't follow basketball all that much, but hearing Kobe say that the Lakers looked old as crap the other day made me laugh out loud. I certainly expected the Lakers to have a bit more success than they have to this point, but when other people were ready to award them the title I looked at their roster and noticed nearly every starter was in their mid-to-late thirties. Much like when they brought Payton and Karl Malone onto the team ten years ago, this looked like a team that might tear it up during the regular season but would be way too tired for a long playoff run.

Well, Dante's not bummed. Now if the Pats make it past one Manning, the other won't be there to stop them again.

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This is the feeling of all Pats fans. The relief of not having our kryptonite there to stop us is huge. It would be so typical if we lost before getting to the Superbowl in the year that Eli isn't there.

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Might as well get used to the reality of a Pats super bowl run, yet again I don't see them losing in the AFC, unless Peyton pulls a miracle out of his ass (not impossible, but given his post-season history, also not likely). The NFC has several teams that could take the Pats, though.

I'm praying San Fransisco makes it and knocks them off. I don't think I can stand the thought of listening to Packers or Seahawks fans if they make it again, and I KNOW I don't want to see New England win again.

Oh well, not much for me to look forward to this post-season. At least Lovie's finally gone!

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Broncos are stronger than the Pats and I wouldn't put it past them to make it to the big dance this year.

This is the feeling of all Pats fans. The relief of not having our kryptonite there to stop us is huge. It would be so typical if we lost before getting to the Superbowl in the year that Eli isn't there.

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Might as well get used to the reality of a Pats super bowl run, yet again I don't see them losing in the AFC, unless Peyton pulls a miracle out of his ass (not impossible, but given his post-season history, also not likely). The NFC has several teams that could take the Pats, though.

I'm praying San Fransisco makes it and knocks them off. I don't think I can stand the thought of listening to Packers or Seahawks fans if they make it again, and I KNOW I don't want to see New England win again.

Oh well, not much for me to look forward to this post-season. At least Lovie's finally gone!

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Broncos are stronger than the Pats and I wouldn't put it past them to make it to the big dance this year.

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Fate?

The Broncos being stronger than the Pats is debatable. The Pats beat the Broncos and the Pats destroyed the same Texans team that beat the Broncos. The Broncos also had the easiest strength of schedule in the league for the second half of the season.

The big thing however is that the game would be at Mile High. That turns things in the Broncos favor because it's the biggest homefield advantage in the league. I give the Broncos the edge for that very reason.

Might as well get used to the reality of a Pats super bowl run, yet again I don't see them losing in the AFC, unless Peyton pulls a miracle out of his ass (not impossible, but given his post-season history, also not likely). The NFC has several teams that could take the Pats, though.

I'm praying San Fransisco makes it and knocks them off. I don't think I can stand the thought of listening to Packers or Seahawks fans if they make it again, and I KNOW I don't want to see New England win again.

Oh well, not much for me to look forward to this post-season. At least Lovie's finally gone!

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Broncos are stronger than the Pats and I wouldn't put it past them to make it to the big dance this year.

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Fate?

The Broncos being stronger than the Pats is debatable. The Pats beat the Broncos and the Pats destroyed the same Texans team that beat the Broncos. The Broncos also had the easiest strength of schedule in the league for the second half of the season.

The big thing however is that the game would be at Mile High. That turns things in the Broncos favor because it's the biggest homefield advantage in the league. I give the Broncos the edge for that very reason.

Broncos are stronger than the Pats and I wouldn't put it past them to make it to the big dance this year.

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Fate?

The Broncos being stronger than the Pats is debatable. The Pats beat the Broncos and the Pats destroyed the same Texans team that beat the Broncos. The Broncos also had the easiest strength of schedule in the league for the second half of the season.

The big thing however is that the game would be at Mile High. That turns things in the Broncos favor because it's the biggest homefield advantage in the league. I give the Broncos the edge for that very reason.

Might as well get used to the reality of a Pats super bowl run, yet again I don't see them losing in the AFC, unless Peyton pulls a miracle out of his ass (not impossible, but given his post-season history, also not likely). The NFC has several teams that could take the Pats, though.

I'm praying San Fransisco makes it and knocks them off. I don't think I can stand the thought of listening to Packers or Seahawks fans if they make it again, and I KNOW I don't want to see New England win again.

Oh well, not much for me to look forward to this post-season. At least Lovie's finally gone!

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Broncos are stronger than the Pats and I wouldn't put it past them to make it to the big dance this year.

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Fate?

The Broncos being stronger than the Pats is debatable. The Pats beat the Broncos and the Pats destroyed the same Texans team that beat the Broncos. The Broncos also had the easiest strength of schedule in the league for the second half of the season.

The big thing however is that the game would be at Mile High. That turns things in the Broncos favor because it's the biggest homefield advantage in the league. I give the Broncos the edge for that very reason.

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Both games early in the season, especially the Texans one, Manning is clearly much more comfortable with the team now and I honestly believe that they are capable of handling the Pats. For what it's worth I feel the pats have been shakey at times this year, they are one of the all time great teams to be sure, but the Broncos have just been going up and up, and Manning is looking pretty good.

Broncos are stronger than the Pats and I wouldn't put it past them to make it to the big dance this year.

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Fate?

The Broncos being stronger than the Pats is debatable. The Pats beat the Broncos and the Pats destroyed the same Texans team that beat the Broncos. The Broncos also had the easiest strength of schedule in the league for the second half of the season.

The big thing however is that the game would be at Mile High. That turns things in the Broncos favor because it's the biggest homefield advantage in the league. I give the Broncos the edge for that very reason.

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Both games early in the season, especially the Texans one, Manning is clearly much more comfortable with the team now and I honestly believe that they are capable of handling the Pats. For what it's worth I feel the pats have been shakey at times this year, they are one of the all time great teams to be sure, but the Broncos have just been going up and up, and Manning is looking pretty good.

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The Pats have looked shaky a couple of times, that's true. However they've put up a ton of points on quite a few playoff teams. I think that the Broncos look good and so does Peyton but I think the easy schedule has helped. It's no coincidence that their win streak has coincided with their strength of schedule going down. Their division means 2 games against the Raiders, 2 games against the Chiefs and 2 games against the Chargers, that sure is nice.

Agreed though, the Broncos are looking good and are the favorites to win it all right now.

The Broncos being stronger than the Pats is debatable. The Pats beat the Broncos and the Pats destroyed the same Texans team that beat the Broncos. The Broncos also had the easiest strength of schedule in the league for the second half of the season.

The big thing however is that the game would be at Mile High. That turns things in the Broncos favor because it's the biggest homefield advantage in the league. I give the Broncos the edge for that very reason.

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Both games early in the season, especially the Texans one, Manning is clearly much more comfortable with the team now and I honestly believe that they are capable of handling the Pats. For what it's worth I feel the pats have been shakey at times this year, they are one of the all time great teams to be sure, but the Broncos have just been going up and up, and Manning is looking pretty good.

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The Pats have looked shaky a couple of times, that's true. However they've put up a ton of points on quite a few playoff teams. I think that the Broncos look good and so does Peyton but I think the easy schedule has helped. It's no coincidence that their win streak has coincided with their strength of schedule going down. Their division means 2 games against the Raiders, 2 games against the Chiefs and 2 games against the Chargers, that sure is nice.

Agreed though, the Broncos are looking good and are the favorites to win it all right now.

Also, nice to meet you.

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Also very true, but I'd take them over the overrated TExans or Falcons any day of the week.

Both games early in the season, especially the Texans one, Manning is clearly much more comfortable with the team now and I honestly believe that they are capable of handling the Pats. For what it's worth I feel the pats have been shakey at times this year, they are one of the all time great teams to be sure, but the Broncos have just been going up and up, and Manning is looking pretty good.

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The Pats have looked shaky a couple of times, that's true. However they've put up a ton of points on quite a few playoff teams. I think that the Broncos look good and so does Peyton but I think the easy schedule has helped. It's no coincidence that their win streak has coincided with their strength of schedule going down. Their division means 2 games against the Raiders, 2 games against the Chiefs and 2 games against the Chargers, that sure is nice.

Agreed though, the Broncos are looking good and are the favorites to win it all right now.

Also, nice to meet you.

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Also very true, but I'd take them over the overrated TExans or Falcons any day of the week.

The Pats have looked shaky a couple of times, that's true. However they've put up a ton of points on quite a few playoff teams. I think that the Broncos look good and so does Peyton but I think the easy schedule has helped. It's no coincidence that their win streak has coincided with their strength of schedule going down. Their division means 2 games against the Raiders, 2 games against the Chiefs and 2 games against the Chargers, that sure is nice.

Agreed though, the Broncos are looking good and are the favorites to win it all right now.

Also, nice to meet you.

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Also very true, but I'd take them over the overrated TExans or Falcons any day of the week.

Yeah, I'd have to agree that Manning is probably more comfortable with the team than he was during their first encounter. Their earlier regular season encounter didn't go the Broncos way, but that isn't enough for me to write off the Broncos. Two years ago the Patriots smoked the Jests in the regular season 45-3 and no one gave the Jests much of a chance going into the playoff game with New England (myself included), but they eked out the victory in what turned out to be a pretty close game.

The Pats have looked shaky a couple of times, that's true. However they've put up a ton of points on quite a few playoff teams. I think that the Broncos look good and so does Peyton but I think the easy schedule has helped. It's no coincidence that their win streak has coincided with their strength of schedule going down. Their division means 2 games against the Raiders, 2 games against the Chiefs and 2 games against the Chargers, that sure is nice.

Agreed though, the Broncos are looking good and are the favorites to win it all right now.

Also, nice to meet you.

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Also very true, but I'd take them over the overrated TExans or Falcons any day of the week.

Yes, this is a face many a Bulls fans want to punch repeatedly. His ineptitude most of the time, especially in the playoffs, make me hate this man with a fiery passion. Can't believe we're paying this man $14m a year for the next 3 years (including this season). Maybe the Bulls' front office will be smart enough to use their amnesty clause on him next offseason and bring over Nikola Mirotic from Real Madrid, but I fear they'll continue to be too cheap to eat up that amount of money over two years.

So yeah, I definitely agree that Boozer sucks.

As for the Packers, I am a Bears fan so naturally I dislike them. But they're a better team than us hands down, there's no disputing that. Just don't expect that to stay the same next season.

Meanwhile, I'm rooting for the 49ers to go all the way. If they fall through then I'm hoping the Broncos pull it off. After that I'm just hoping against the unholiest thing that can happen- a Packers/Patriots Super Bowl.

As for the Packers, I am a Bears fan so naturally I dislike them. But they're a better team than us hands down, there's no disputing that. Just don't expect that to stay the same next season.

Meanwhile, I'm rooting for the 49ers to go all the way. If they fall through then I'm hoping the Broncos pull it off. After that I'm just hoping against the unholiest thing that can happen- a Packers/Patriots Super Bowl.

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Fandom aside I can't see next year being a big turn around. Lovie is out so the defense will suffer, and the offense has been suffering for a long time. I see much rebuilding in your future.

Fandom aside I can't see next year being a big turn around. Lovie is out so the defense will suffer, and the offense has been suffering for a long time. I see much rebuilding in your future.

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If they can do something...anything to improve that offensive line, they might be alright. That team may have the most porous offensive line I've seen in awhile (and to put that comment into perspective, I'm a Rams fan so I've seen my share of awful play by the o-line for the past several years). Unfortunately, it tends to take a lot of time for a team to get that part of the offense in gear, and unless the Bears can find a way to speed things up that offense isn't going win a lot of games for them next year.

Come to think of it, I haven't picked a team to root for in the playoff teams since they've started. I guess I'd be pulling for Denver and San Francisco if I could think of a Super Bowl I wanted to see. I remember liking both teams quite a bit as a kid before our city actually had a team.

Really? I figured you'd be happy if the Packers went all the way since you already beat them handily earlier in the year. I know if we beat the Seahawks last week I'd be rooting for them to go all the way...

Context clues. Last season, what team played the Packers, Niners AND the Patriots in the playoffs?

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[ Fate001 enters round table discussion ]

Bill Swerski: Hey! As you fans know, board celebrities like to frequent Ditka's. And oddsmaker Fate001 has just sat down with us. Now, Fate.. what would the point spread be for a game like that? Ditka vs. Da Giants. Now, remember, it's only Ditka, not the regular Bears team.

Not very apparently. You know I was checking injury reports after I saw you post this message but on the ESPN app on my phone I didn't see anything about Ponder being out. What on earth happened to him? Granted we all know that AP carried that team, but without any passing thread I'm sure AP can only do so much, and he hasn't been historically good at Lambeau either.